Businessman, writer, and money educator Robert Kiyosaki was sitting down one morning to an interview with a young reporter in Singapore. During the course of the interview they got to talking about the reporter’s own career.
“Someday I want to be a best-selling author like you,” she told Kiyosaki, “but my work never seems to go anywhere. That’s why I keep my job at the paper.”
“Do you want some advice?” Kiyosaki asked her. He’d read some of her work before agreeing to the interview; it was strong and clear. She was an excellent writer.
“I . . . I guess. What did you have in mind?”
“I have a friend here in Singapore who runs a salesmanship school. You could get started with one of his–”
She was offended and cut him off. “You’re suggesting I learn how to sell?”
“Well, yes. What’s wrong with that?”
“I’m a professional! I went to school! I have a master’s degree! I shouldn’t have to sell–all salespeople want is money, and I’ll never stoop so low as that!” She was shoving materials back into her suitcase.
Kiyosaki picked up a copy of his book. “Look at this.”
She paused. “What?”
“What does it say under the title?” She looked, but didn’t see. Kiyosaki continued. “It says best-selling author . . . not best-writing author. You’re a great writer; I’m a terrible one. The difference is that I know how to sell. You’re one skill away from great wealth.”
Great talent is not enough. Great talent combined with the skills to market it and connect with an audience . . . that’s the whole package. It’s worth learning how to do, or finding someone who can do it for you.